The listings featured on this site are from companies from which this site receives compensation.

Mortgage Article Library

Learn more about the mortgage process, mortgage rates, credit scores, and loan programs.

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in {year}

Jan. 13, 2026

Home Equity Mortgage Lenders to Consider in 2026

In 2026, home equity loans (HEL) remain a popular way to access cash at lower rates than credit cards (avg. 8% vs 21%). Borrowers can typically access up to 85% of their home's value. Interest is tax-deductible only when used for home improvements.

Jan. 12, 2026

2 min read

Home Affordability Calculator

Your income tells only part of the story. Use this home affordability calculator to combine your salary, monthly debts, and down payment savings to estimate how much home you can realistically afford.

Jan. 11, 2026

8 min read

How to Get Low Mortgage Rates in 2026

In 2026, mortgage rates remain one of the most important factors in the cost of buying or refinancing a home. Even a 0.5% difference in rate can mean paying or saving tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. That’s why understanding how to get a lower mortgage rate is key to smart home financing.

Avoid These 6 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

Jan. 11, 2026

5 min read

Avoid These 6 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

The time has finally come. You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved up some money and you’re finally ready to put down some roots. It’s time for you to realize your dreams of becoming a homeowner.

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

Jan. 11, 2026

3 min read

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

The more you understand about your home and the mortgage you pay, the easier it will be to sort through your finances and have realistic expectations for your current situation.

Jan. 11, 2026

7 min read

12 Ways To Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Even a 1% rate difference can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. For example, on a $400,000 30-year mortgage, moving from 6.5% to 7.5% can mean roughly $95K–$100K in additional interest, depending on fees and exact loan terms.

Jan. 05, 2026

3 min read

Understand Your VA Home Loan

If you are an armed forces veteran and are planning to apply for a mortgage on a new home or refinance an existing loan, you might be eligible to secure favorable terms from your lender.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Jan. 05, 2026

5 min read

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Unless you're one of the lucky few that can purchase a home for cash, you're likely to need some kind of a loan to realize your dream of home ownership. Broadly, a mortgage refers to the specific type of loan that’s used for home purchase. There are many types of mortgage terms you’ll want to know for a variety of circumstances, though many people are looking for conventional home loans.

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

Jan. 05, 2026

5 min read

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

Your mortgage has been approved, you’ve made your down payment and paid all closing costs, and you’re ready to move into your new home. But your biggest cost is still ahead of you: your monthly mortgage payments. So, what exactly are these payments, and what can you do to make sure they cost you as little as possible?

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

Jan. 05, 2026

3 min read

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

Bad credit may seem like it stands between you and a new home purchase. Fortunately, there are ways to get a mortgage even with bad credit.

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

Jan. 05, 2026

4 min read

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

If you want to buy a new home, but have a low credit rating or don’t have a lot of cash, you may consider applying for a Federal Government-backed loan. FHA Loan helps borrowers to secure mortgages from authorized lenders for as low as a 3.5% down payment.

A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Choosing a Home

Jan. 05, 2026

5 min read

A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Choosing a Home

Buying a house isn’t only the biggest financial decision most people make - it’s also the most personal. There is no one-size-fits-all house, especially when you factor in budget, mortgage offers, location, and all the red lines and deal-breakers that buyers tend to have.

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for a First-Time Home Buyer

Jan. 05, 2026

5 min read

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender for a First-Time Home Buyer

To first-time home buyers, the mortgage application process may seem like a whole new world, with different terms and rules to learn, and so many decisions to make. Home buyers not selling a home tend to have smaller down payments, and less-established credit histories. On the other hand, they may qualify for government programs to help them get into a home.

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

Jan. 04, 2026

3 min read

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

When purchasing a home, a mortgage is almost always an inevitability. To ensure the best outcome, it’s important to plan ahead and make a decision that meets your financial and personal needs.

Jan. 04, 2026

2 min read

Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Applying for a mortgage involves a lot of confusing numbers, but it's actually the words around those numbers that you should be focused on. Learning and understanding common mortgage terms can make the application process a lot easier.

How Your Debt-To-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage

Oct. 27, 2025

5 min read

How Your Debt-To-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage

Your debt-to-income ratio plays an important role in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage and what terms you'll receive.

Oct. 27, 2025

5 min read

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but can also feel overwhelming. Buyers must navigate mortgage options, find the right property, manage closing logistics, and coordinate moving in.

Elections & Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Should Know

Oct. 27, 2025

4 min read

Elections & Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Should Know

As mortgage rates fluctuate, Americans question how much presidential policies influence housing costs. In reality, the connection isn’t as direct as campaign speeches suggest.

Mortgage Points: What They Are and When They Make Sense

Oct. 21, 2025

7 min read

Mortgage Points: What They Are and When They Make Sense

Understanding mortgage points can be the difference between paying thousands more or less in interest over your loan's lifetime.

How To Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Oct. 21, 2025

7 min read

How To Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

From 20% down payments to government loan programs, multiple strategies can eliminate PMI.

Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Sep. 09, 2025

6 min read

Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Understanding fixed vs adjustable rate mortgage options helps you choose the right financing for your home purchase.

What Is Mortgage Insurance and How Does It Work?

Sep. 09, 2025

5 min read

What Is Mortgage Insurance and How Does It Work?

When buying a home with less than 20% down, you'll likely encounter mortgage insurance—a cost that protects your lender but adds to your monthly payment.

Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 12 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home

Sep. 09, 2025

9 min read

Your First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 12 Steps to Owning Your Dream Home

Buying your first house is a major life milestone and financial transaction.

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender: 9 Steps to Save Thousands

Sep. 09, 2025

6 min read

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender: 9 Steps to Save Thousands

Choosing the right mortgage lender is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a homebuyer.

How Does A VA Loan Work? The Essential Details You Need To Know

Sep. 09, 2025

6 min read

How Does A VA Loan Work? The Essential Details You Need To Know

Serving your country takes sacrifice, so the government rightfully established several benefit programs to recognize your dedication.

13 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid

Sep. 09, 2025

7 min read

13 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes To Avoid

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest financial decisions—and it's surprisingly easy to make costly mistakes.

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage With Bad Credit: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Sep. 09, 2025

6 min read

How to Get Approved for a Mortgage With Bad Credit: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't buy a home.

Balloon Mortgage: What Is It And What Are the Benefits?

Sep. 02, 2025

6 min read

Balloon Mortgage: What Is It And What Are the Benefits?

Understanding balloon mortgage options helps you evaluate unique financing structures with lower initial payments.

How to Get a Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug. 28, 2025

5 min read

How to Get a Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a mortgage is an important step when you need to buy a home, as few people can afford to pay for a house entirely in cash.

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Comprehensive Guide

Aug. 28, 2025

5 min read

When to Refinance Your Mortgage: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding mortgage refinancing helps you secure the right funding for your future financial goals.

How to Use Your Home Equity: A Comprehensive Guide

Aug. 28, 2025

4 min read

How to Use Your Home Equity: A Comprehensive Guide

Home equity is one of the most significant financial resources available to homeowners.

Mortgage Approval Process: How Does It Work?

Aug. 26, 2025

6 min read

Mortgage Approval Process: How Does It Work?

Getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially if you're buying your first home.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your Guide to a Smoother Home Buying Journey

Aug. 25, 2025

5 min read

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your Guide to a Smoother Home Buying Journey

Navigating the home-buying process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers.

What Is a Second Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Aug. 25, 2025

5 min read

What Is a Second Mortgage and How Does It Work?

A second mortgage can be a powerful financial tool when you need to access your home's equity for major expenses.

Jan. 30, 2025

3 min read

FHA Loans 101 for 2026

FHA mortgage loans are an attractive option for first-time homebuyers. If you’re looking for your first home and don’t have 20% of the home purchase price for a conventional loan down payment, FHA loans backed by the U.S. government can offer between 3.5% and 10% down payments.

Second Mortgage Lenders & Loans in {year}

Jan. 30, 2025

5 min read

Second Mortgage Lenders & Loans in 2026

Own a home and in need of a loan? One of the most convenient ways to secure the large amount of cash you need to fund that renovation, medical bill, or college tuition is to take out a second mortgage on your home.

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

May. 15, 2023

3 min read

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

Buying a house is an exciting time, but it isn’t a stress-free process. Part of the process is getting approved for a mortgage to help pay for the home. My wife and I recently went through this experience when we were moving from Florida to Indiana.

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

May. 14, 2023

3 min read

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

You might be considering refinancing your mortgage. Before agreeing to a new deal at the lowest rate, it is worth calculating whether you can save more with a no-closing-cost refinance.

Apr. 30, 2023

4 min read

What is a Manufactured Home?

Also known as “prefab” or prefabricated homes, manufactured homes are built in factories. Unlike traditional homes, which are constructed on-site with a permanent foundation, manufactured homes are put together on a temporary chassis and then transported to the site where they are installed.

First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance 101

Apr. 30, 2023

5 min read

First-Time Homebuyer Financial Assistance 101

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Finding the perfect home, putting together a down payment, and getting approved for a mortgage - it’s a lot of work and the financial burden adds up quickly. The good news is that first time buyers have special programs designed just for them. We’ll explain everything you need to know about how to qualify for them.

Apr. 27, 2023

3 min read

Is A 15-Year Mortgage Right for You?

So, you’re in the market for a house? You’ve probably been reading up on all there is to know about taking out a mortgage. The basics are pretty straightforward: once you put in a down payment, a mortgage loan covers the remaining cost of a home, which you’ll need to pay back over x number of years.

Mar. 25, 2021

4 min read

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

Refinancing your home loan can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there are some things to be aware of. In this article, I'm going to unpack what you need to know about refinancing your home so you can get started right away.

Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qualify

Mar. 18, 2021

3 min read

Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qualify

As mortgage lenders are raising the bar on their requirements for borrowers, getting a mortgage becomes harder and harder. Now is the time for homebuyers and those looking to refinance to be smarter about shopping for a new loan.